I find small of back carry to be very comfortable...physically, but with arthritis in my right shoulder (from doing "less than intellegent things" in my younger days), the potential for spinal injury as pointed out by davidtx, and the fact that I want my handgun to be in a much more defensible location on my body, I'll stick to no further back than 4:00 position.
surv
It's not gun control that we need, it's soul control!
When these types of rigs are described, it is more common
for them to be referred to as SOB (small of back).
SOB carry is generally frowned on by self defense experts since
if you are knocked on your back before you can draw, you will
not then be able to draw. The possibility of injuring your spine
is just more black frosting on the cake.
Also, if you have a SOB rig, you must reach further back, at a
possibly less-than-optimal angle, to draw. You may telegraph
your move to the BG before it's completed.
I initially wanted to get a cross draw rig (holster on my left,
pistol backwards, allowing my strong right hand to draw), but
then read that the best way was to have a holster on the strong
side.
That way, as soon as you clear leather, your gun is pointed
in the correct direction. In a cross draw you have to sweep your
muzzle from your left side to your right before the gun is facing
straight ahead.
Having a holster on your strong side, at 300PM or 400 PM, if you
are right handed, is preferable over a cross draw or SOB. YMMV.
SIA
N. Texas LTC's hold 3 breakfasts each month. All are 800 AM. OC is fine.
2nd Saturdays: Rudy's BBQ, N. Dallas Pkwy, N.bound, N. of Main St., Frisco.
3rd Saturdays: Golden Corral, 465 E. I-20, Collins St exit, Arlington.
4th Saturdays: Sunny St. Cafe, off I-20, Exit 415, Mikus Rd, Willow Park.
I've carried SOB before, and in my opinion it's okay as long as you're on your feet. It's pretty uncomfortable sitting with a large lump in the small of your back. Also, there are the other drawbacks that other people have commented on...but on the plus side it doesn't get "flashed" if your jacket or unbuttoned shirt is opened by the wind or your body's position.
I might consider carrying SOB for a backup gun, but for me, I prefer my weapon on my strong-side hip.
MojoTexas
NRA Life member, TSRA member
"An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life."
--Robert A. Heinlein, Beyond This Horizon, 1942
It is okay if I never have to set down for any length of time. I tried it in a car and couldn't take it. That was with a 1911 so a small pistol may be different.
The times I carry SOB is during more physical activity like hiking a certain distance. It's generally more comfortable at those moments. But, there's no doubt for me that its a loooong reach around to draw.
Maybe if you had a BUG j-frame you were carrying in addition...
Otherwise I would consider seeing if 4 o'clock or similar works for you.
I tried carrying a Sig 220 there with a TT Gun Leather IWB holster, it did not work for me. The biggest problem was while driving, just could not get comfortable and ended up putting the pistol in the console. I have since gone with an LCR at 2"00 with a tuckable and that worls perfectly for my body type. Just remember what works for one will not necessarily work for another. Fortunatly my good friend Greybeard has a box of holsters for his CHL classes so I got to see and try many different ones to avoid the unused holster box syndrome that many have experienced.
I tried small of back as one of my first carry choices. The first night I tried it, the wife and I has celebrated an anniversary by spending the day quail hunting close to Childress. Yes, I am a romantic!! I took her to a steak house in Childress for supper and we had to sit in wood chairs, the kind that wrap around. That was the last time I carried at small of back. I found it very uncomfortable.
I tried carrying SOB with the don hume and did not like it at all. I think I'm going to stick to strongside, which for me is 9:00. Still looking for a different holster, one that fits the PX4 sc better.
Young, flexable, able to get to it w/ ease & some simblance of speed if unhendered.
I do not recomend them either for all the reasons above.
In general for most folks they are:
hard to draw properly especially w/ the reverse draw holster you have pictured. Proper draw w/o covering your kidney area can be learned.
For most it is uncomfortable setting, driving especially.
I know of no documented case of spine enjury from fall but in a wrestle it would be next to impossible to get to. Even standing extreemly easy to stall or prevent your draw.
Carry 24-7 or guess right.
CHL Instructor. http://www.pdtraining.us" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA/TSRA Life Member - TFC Member #11